Israel Appeals For Global Help As Wildfire Breaks Out Near Jerusalem

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

A fierce wildfire broke out on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, triggering mass evacuations.

The outbreak resulted in injuring more than a dozen people, and forcing the closure of the crucial Route 1 highway linking the city to Tel Aviv.

What began as a small blaze quickly spiraled out of control, fanned by dry conditions and gusty winds, engulfing the hillsides with thick smoke and searing flames.

Panicked drivers were seen abandoning their vehicles on Route 1, fleeing on foot as fire raced across the terrain.

At least three communities were evacuated, and authorities confirmed that 13 people sustained injuries, though no fatalities have been reported.

Over 120 fire and rescue teams, supported by aircraft and helicopters, were deployed in a desperate effort to contain the rapidly spreading inferno.

The Israeli military also dispatched search and rescue units to assist on the ground.

The timing of the disaster struck a poignant chord across the country.

The blaze erupted on Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, and forced the cancellation of numerous remembrance ceremonies, including the official state event in Jerusalem.

The chaos disrupted preparations for Israel’s Independence Day, which follows immediately after Memorial Day.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Italy and Croatia had agreed to send firefighting aircraft to assist in quelling the flames.

Israel has also sought support from Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, as officials brace for continued fire threats in the coming days.

“This is not just a fire crisis — it’s a national emergency. We are doing everything possible, but international support is vital,” said a senior official in Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services.

With temperatures expected to remain high and winds unpredictable, authorities have warned residents near forested and rural areas to stay alert and prepare for possible evacuations.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation is underway.

As Jerusalem’s skies remain darkened by smoke, the wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events and environmental hazards.